AB1133 MUSCULOSKELETAL MANIFESTATIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 INFECTION
Authors: S. Tharwat, N. M. Shabana, M. K. Nassar
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is declared as a global pandemic [1]. It is caused by a novel coronavirus with structural similarities to the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) [2].While the pulmonary consequences have received a lot of attention, the impact of the disease extends far beyond the respiratory system and affects other organs of the body such as heart,kidney or liver [3]. Although different musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations have been linked to COVID-19 infection, a systematic approach to outline these manifestations is still lacking [4]. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution and determinants of MSK manifestations in patients with COVID-19 infection. Methods Patients with a history of confirmed COVID-19 infection were asked to answer a web-based survey. The survey consisted of multiple questions centered around demographic, clinical and COVID-19 infection data in addition to MSK discomfort form based on the Nordic MSK Questionnaire. The inclusion criteria included age of ≥18 years. Patients who had malignancies or any chronic rheumatic, MSK, neurological disease were excluded. Results There was a total of 110 participants, mostly females (72.7%), with mean age 37.7 years, only 9 (8.2%) were current smokers while 31 (28.2%) had associated comorbid conditions. Headache (75.5%), loss of smell (61.8%) and fever were the most main COVID-19 presenting symptoms. The MSK manifestations reported during or shortly after COVID-19 infection were myalgia (95.5%), arthralgia (81.8%) and facial muscle pain (7.3%). The severity of COVID-19 related arthralgia ranged from mild (18.2%), moderate (32.7%), severe (23.6%) and very severe (7.3%). The most affected part was low back (60%), neck (33.3%), and upper back (30%) (Figure 1). MSK manifestations were significantly associated with shortness of breath (p=0.004), fever (p=0.004), loss of taste (p&lt;0.001), diarrhea (p=0.018), fatigue (p&lt;0.001), higher severity of COVID-19 infection (p&lt;0.001), and longer duration of COVID-19 symptoms (from the first day until symptoms resolved) (p&lt;0.001). Figure 1. Distribution of MSK manifestations (ache, pain, discomfort, numbness) associated with COVID-19 infection Conclusion MSK manifestations are prevalent among patients with COVID-19 infection. They are usually associated with more severe COVID-19 infection and longer disease duration. References [1]Kakodkar, P., N. Kaka, and M.J.C. Baig, A comprehensive literature review on the clinical presentation, and management of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 2020. 12 (4). [2]Fauci, A.S., H.C. Lane, and R.R.J.N.E.J.o.M. Redfield, Covid-19—navigating the uncharted . 2020, Mass Medical Soc. p. 1268-1269. [3]Johnson, K.D., et al., Pulmonary and extra-pulmonary clinical manifestations of COVID-19. 2020. 7 : p. 526. [4]Ramani, S.L., et al., Musculoskeletal involvement of COVID-19: review of imaging. 2021: p. 1-11. Disclosure of Interests None declared